Top fixes

Top Nissan Leaf fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Nissan Leaf faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 52,221 recorded MOT tests, 16.9% failed.

Nissan Leaf
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

The Nissan Leaf, a practical electric vehicle, faces common faults such as battery degradation, charging port issues, brake problems, uneven tyre wear, and the need for software updates.

Battery Degradation

Battery degradation is a known issue in Nissan Leaf models, particularly those from 2011 to 2017. Over time, the battery capacity diminishes, leading to reduced range. Unfortunately, there are no effective DIY fixes for this problem.

Charging Port Issues

Charging port problems can arise due to wear and tear or corrosion. Symptoms include difficulty connecting the charger or a failure to charge.

Brake Problems

Some Nissan Leaf owners report brake issues, particularly with the brake pads and discs. Symptoms may include squeaking noises or reduced braking efficiency. While minor brake pad replacements can be a DIY job, more extensive work may require a garage visit.

Tyre Wear

Uneven tyre wear is common, especially in earlier models. This can be caused by misalignment or suspension issues. Regular checks and rotations can help, but if you notice excessive wear, a garage should inspect it.

Software Updates

The Nissan Leaf may require software updates to address performance or charging issues. While this can often be done at home through the NissanConnect app, some updates may need a visit to the dealership.

Nissan Leaf recall record

6 recalls have been issued for the Nissan Leaf, between 2015 and 2024.

  1. Juke (F16) Qashqai (J12) and Leaf (ZE1) VIN Scan

    R/2024/234

    Issued 17 June 2024

    On affected vehicles the VIN stored in the vehicle system may not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. This may lead to a situation where a vehicle user can see information related to a different vehicle resulting in a data security breach.

    Remedy:Replace the navigation display / control unit and the telematics control unit.

    Affects cars built Oct 2019 to Jun 2023

  2. A potential concern affecting the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in specific and rare circumstances after switching off the cruise control function there is a possibility of unintended acceleration.

    R/2023/215

    Issued 28 July 2023

    A potential concern affecting the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in specific and rare circumstances after switching off the cruise control function there is a possibility of unintended acceleration.

    Remedy:The software of the VCM will be updated.

    Affects cars built Dec 2017 to May 2023

  3. THE WELDED JOINT ON THE ACTUATOR PLATE WITHIN THE REDUCER MAY BE OF POOR QUALITY AND THE PARK LOCK MAY NOT ENGAGE

    R/2020/294

    Issued 2 November 2020

    The welded joint on the park lock actuator plate may be of poor quality and has the potential to fail during usage.

    Remedy:Replace the park lock actuator plate with a countermeasure part of all potentially affected vehicles

    Affects cars built Jul 2019 to Sept 2019

  4. HEADLAMP AUTO AIM FUNCTION MAY NOT OPERATE

    R/2017/173

    Issued 19 July 2017

    Due to a non confromity in production the headlamp auto aim function may not operate

    Remedy:Reconfigure and then reinitialise the headlamp leveliser control unit on affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Feb 2017 to Mar 2017

2 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Nissan Leaf MOT record

From 52,221 recorded MOT tests, 16.9% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20228,6006.6%20,175 mi
20218,6128.6%28,286 mi
20207,64811.9%35,726 mi
20194,92613.4%42,044 mi
20184,86516.8%51,842 mi
20174,83320.1%52,128 mi
20163,83829.6%59,938 mi
20153,93531.2%59,473 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn30.8%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements27.1%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged20.3%
  4. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured13.2%
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm8.6%

Figures cover every Nissan Leaf tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Nissan Leaf official figures

Median across 5 variants on sale, electricity.

Electric range
168 miles
Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults with the Nissan Leaf?

Common faults include battery degradation, charging port issues, and brake problems.

Sources